Qasim against reducing MPs’ salary which he states is “not high”

Qasim Ibrahim, a prominent businessman who serves as the parliamentary representative for Maamigli constituency states he is against reducing the salaries of parliamentarians.

Ruling PNC Parliamentary Group’s Senior Deputy Leader and Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau has submitted a resolution to the parliament which seeks opinion on bringing an end to the rising numbers of parliamentarians in each assembly and reducing the number of parliamentarians.

While debating on the resolution, Qasim concurred that the number of parliamentarians needed to be reduced.

On this note, he underscored that he had also proposed to reduce the number of parliamentarians during the 19^th assembly; a proposal which he added was kicked out by the assembly dominated by then-ruling MDP.  In reference to this, he commended the submission of a resolution by ruling PNC MPs to reduce the number of parliamentarians.

Although he concurred with reducing the number of parliamentarians, Qasim was strongly against reducing the salary allocated to parliamentarians at present.

“I want to convey that I am against reducing the salary allocated to honorable members of the parliament at present, and also against reducing the allowances,” he said.

“Although an MVR 20,000 is allocated in [living] allowance for individuals who are relocating here from various islands upon election, we know very clearly that they cannot make do with MVR 20,000,” he added.

Qasim said the current salary framework for the parliamentarians was the best practice under a unitary government. Underscoring that some MPs had exampled the practices of nations following federal systems, he emphasized his belief that Maldives was vastly different from these nations.

In this regard, Qasim said parliamentarians do not have any other source of legitimate income apart from their jobs, contrary to senior officials and staff employed at government offices, organizations and companies.

He also expressed his stance against capping the number of terms an individual can serve as a parliamentarian at two, adding this was not a practice followed elsewhere in the world.

Speaking further, Qasim expressed his stance against awarding Aasandha and subsidies to only those entitled.

“Is only the highest taxpayer eligible to receive assistance and allowances from the government? This is the question,”

“Should the person who provides the most significant service not receive any assistance? I am against this,” he stressed.

Parliamentarians at present receive a salary of MVR 82,500 including committee allowance. They are also entitled to a high-end health insurance scheme covering medical expenses for themselves and their families from ASEAN nations.

The ongoing 20^th parliamentary assembly has 93 parliamentarians. With significant expenses incurred to cover their salaries and allowances, members of the public have called upon reducing the number of parliamentarians, as well as their salaries and allowances. Many MPs have spoken out in support of these sentiments as well.

Qasim’s current term at the parliament marks his fifth consecutive term. He has previously served as the speaker.

Qasim is the owner of one of the most prominent businesses in the Maldives, Villa Company.